David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister very much. There was intervention to prevent a case going to adjudication. That is very serious. People paid into this scheme for spouses and children that they did not have. It was an unjust form of taxation. All I seek is an opportunity for people to make a complaint and have it adjudged. If there are other people, who are not gay couples, who want to make a complaint as well, why should they not make a complaint and have that adjudged in order that justice will be done?

I am rather sorry the Minister has not been able to go further. I greatly regret the intransigent attitude of the Minister, Deputy Howlin, but I take on board the suggestion of Senator Darragh O'Brien that the place to implement the change would be by way of further amendments to the pension scheme. I know so many couples who are looking forward to marriage and I would do nothing to hold that up. I have made my points strongly. I feel passionately about the matter. It is a disgrace that people who paid into pensions would have gone to prison if they had claimed for a spouse, or been sent for aversion therapy, as in cases of which I am aware. That is not an option and that is not the situation that confronted any heterosexual person. At the time when the circular went around and people were asked to subscribe to it, they could have gone to prison if they had claimed the benefit, so it is a nonsense. I will not push the amendment to a vote. I had intended to do so but we would probably lose it anyway. Senator O'Brien's suggestion-----